From celebrated Black writers, creators, and thinkers-and with a foreword by John Legend-comes a collection of letters and original illustrations on the subject of Black love, a powerful and heartfelt celebration of Blackness in all its many forms.

In this exquisite anthology of letters and illustrations, Cole Brown and Natalie Johnson bring together a constellation of influential Black figures to write to the people, places, and moments that mean the most to them. With a foreword from John Legend and contributions from Brontez Purnell, Morgan Jerkins, Reverend Al Sharpton, and Dr. Imani Perry, among many others, Black Love Letters is an ode to a phenomenal community: a testament to the fact that where there has been pain and suffering, there has also always been immeasurable, irrepressible joy and love.

Contributors: Akili King, Alex Elle, Allisa Findley, Barbara Edelin Belinda Walker, Ben Crump, Bill Whitaker, Bilquisu Abdullah, Brianna Holt, Brontez Purnell, Cole Brown, Danez Smith, Deborah Willis, Dick Parsons, Douglas Jones, Douglas Kearney, Dr. Imani Perry, Jamila Woods, Jan Menafee, Jayne Allen, Jeh Johnson, Jenna Wortham, Joel Caston, Jonathan Capehart, Joy Reid, Justus Pugh, Kwame Dawes, Lynae Vanee, Mahogany L. Brown, Malachi Elijah, Michael Eric Dyson, Morgan Jerkins, Nadia Owusu, Natalie Johnson, Rakia Reynolds, Reverend Al Sharpton, Rhianna Jones, Roze Traore, Sojourner Brown, Tarana Burke, Tembe Denton Hurst, Topaz Jones, Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts, and VJ Jenkins